Um olhar sobre a agropecuária do estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The historical roots of agriculture in the state of Rio de Janeiro based on export monocultures (sugar cane and coffee), associated with natural barriers, such as small territorial size, steep topography, climate and soils susceptible to erosion, have left traces of degradation and poverty, resulting in the emptying and stagnation of rural areas. Furthermore, the modernization process of Brazilian agriculture did not encourage the development in the state, leading to loss of competitiveness on national scene and a contribution of less than 0,5% to the state´s GDP. Current agriculture is diverse and predominantly practiced by small farmers, dedicated to beef and dairy cattle farming, vegetable and fruit farming, coffee, honey, eggs and fish production. In Serrana region, lettuce, tomato and cauliflower production stands out in the domestic supply and national agricultural production. The region is also the second largest flower producer in the country. Coffee farming in Northwest Fluminense shows increasing gains in productivity and revenue, leveraged by the production of specialty coffees. Considering that most of the land is under degraded pastures and that the state holds the second largest GDP and consumer market in the country, it is strategic to promote policies that encourage food production on a sustainable basis, associated with other activities such as tourism and crafts. In addition to promoting local family farming and ensuring food sovereignty, ecological and sustainable agriculture contributes to the maintenance of ecosystem services, the mitigation of climate change, water security and the conservation of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest biome.